Disinfecting and sanitizing baby toys after water damage

How to deal with flood water contamination on baby items and children’s toys. (Photo Credits)

Flood or water damage can cause bacterial contamination on baby items and children’s toys. It is important that every parent should be aware of how to deal with flood contamination on toys and baby items particularly which ones should be discarded, and which ones can still be saved.

The American Red Cross came up with a comprehensive guide for owners of homes that have been flooded. Their list also included items related to child care such as baby items and toys. Read more here

“When in doubt, throw it out. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut.” Another material in their guide also taught readers as to what to discard following a water damage incident. “Throw out items that have absorbed water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected. This includes mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys.”

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Step-by-Step Guide on disinfecting flooded items

BabyCenter came up with a comprehensive guide in dealing with flooded children’s paraphernalia. After washing with clean water and soap, the article indicated that the toy should be re-inspected.

“Dry each piece well and check that it is completely clean. You may have to re-wash any parts that were very dirty, or have cracks or crevices that may still contain germs and dirt. Check for any lingering moldy smell, which could mean that mold is still present. Letting items dry outside on a sunny, dry day will also help kill any bacteria or mold spores. Mold starts to grow quickly in damp conditions, and the so it’s important to get rid of mold as quickly as possible. Soak anything with mold spots in water to loosen the mold; scrape it off, then wash the toys in hot soapy water. Finally, put the items to soak in a solution of one gallon of water to 1 1/4 cups of bleach. Let them soak for 15 minutes and dry well.”

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What can be safely sanitized and reused?

The United States Food and Drug Administration also came up with a guide on dealing with flood contaminated baby paraphernalia.

“When cleaning or disinfecting, wear protective clothing, such as gloves, to avoid skin contact, irritation, or infection. Discard wooden cutting boards, wooden dishes and utensils, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples, and pacifiers that have come into contact with flood water. These items cannot be safely cleaned.”

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It is important to discard all children’s paraphernalia that may no longer be salvaged from flooding to avoid flood-borne diseases and ensure children’s health and safety.